ACE3080 : Environmental Impact Assessment

Semesters

Semester 1 Credit Value:

10

Semester 2 Credit Value:

10

ECTS Credits:

10.0

Aims

To teach a systematic approach to environmental impact assessment as a component of the development planning processes. The module provides guidance in the preparation of environmental impact assessment and in the evaluation of environmental impact statement prepared by others. It also provides practice in team working and in preparation of a technical report.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Student contact time comprises a combination of lectures, small group teaching and field classes. Lectures deliver information on principles of EIA. Small group teaching provides practice through interactive activities which develop understanding and skills. Team leadership and facilitation skills are introduced in a small teaching group at the beginning of the group work with some reminder and consolidation of teamworking skills. The group work allows the practice and further development and self-assessment of these skills. Field classes provide practice in different aspects of environmental assessment required for the group project.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams

Description

Length

Semester

When Set

Percentage

Comment

Written Examination

120

1

A

50

N/A

Other Assessment

Description

Semester

When Set

Percentage

Comment

Case study

2

M

50

Report on group project with a peer assessment

Formative Assessments

Description

Semester

When Set

Comment

Report

2

M

Scoping report for case study up to 1000 words.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Examination tests knowledge and understanding across the full module content. Breadth is assessed through part 1 which contains true/false and short answer questions. Depth is assessed through part 2 in which students answer one essay question.

Group project tests critical ability, insight and written presentation. Work in a group reflects professional practice and reduces the writing burden. Peer assessment is used to discriminate individual contributions. The report evaluating the group project will require each student to provide a written report providing a reflective assessment of the team working during the project in the light of the literature.